POPSUGAR Celebrity

How Solange Made Nude Makeup Totally Sexy

May 6 2014 - 10:30am

At last night's Met Gala, Solange proved that sleek hair, nude makeup, and neutral nails are anything but boring — and actually totally smoldering! Though she's often spotted in the brightest lipstick colors and boldest eye looks [1], we have to say that we loved her take subtle take on the classic Kim Kardashian style [2]: dramatic eyelashes, shimmering eyes, bronzed skin, and glossy lips. It was anything but cheesy and totally wearable for real girls. Read on to see photos of Solange from all angles and pick up tips from her Nars [3] makeup artist, Benjamin Puckey.

Solange's Makeup Breakdown

POPSUGAR: Who or what inspired this look? How does it work with the rest of her outfit and beauty style?

Benjamin Puckey: Solange and I both decided we wanted to create a glowing look with a strong focus on the eyes in shades that complemented the peach and orange shades in her gorgeous Phillip Lim [4] outfit. She chose to wear her hair in a short choppy bob that gave her a really cool and modernly classic look.

PS: What is the standout beauty feature of this look? And what product(s) were used to get it?

BP: The standout feature was Solange's eyes. We focused on them by using bronze and golden-beige shadows combined with a strong lash look — multiple coats of mascara on the top and bottom lashes. The products used were: Nars [5] Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Subra and Himalia, Cle de Peau The Mascara in black [6] ($50), and Nars Eye Paint in Baalbek as an eyeliner.

PS: What is something women can do at home inspired by this look?

BP: Don't be afraid to wear a bold glowing blush on the apples of your cheeks.

PS: What was it like getting ready with Solange? Does she have any pre-red carpet rituals?

BP: Solange is always a delight to work with; we always catch up during makeup and talk about our lives and work. Solange loves to listen to music while getting ready, and I love hearing her singing along with the tunes.

Solange's Makeup Products

Here's are some of the key products used to get Solange's sultry red carpet makeup.

Nars Subra Dual-Intensity Eye Shadow [7] (available for Summer 2014)

Nars Siam Matte Multiple [8] ($39)

Nars Isola Bella Satin Lip Pencil [9] ($25)

Solange's Hair

To get sleek strands à la Solange, coat your mane with a heat protectant and smoother like Andre Walker Get It Straight Styling Creme [10] ($22) before you blow-dry. Once it's dried, use a flat iron to make it straight. Tip: use a comb while you slide the hot tool down your hair to get it ultrastraight. Then, finish with Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil [11] ($30) for added shine.

Solange's Nails

The music star makes a case for matching your digits to your dress with this monochromatic peach look. Try a color like Ciaté Paint Pots in Almonds Cream [12] ($15).